In a non-descript, slightly derelict and somewhat depressing end of Oxford Street, lies a humble gastronomic oasis in the form of Spanish Delights.

The Smiling Assassin (TSA) and I popped in for a quick lunch one sunny Saturday afternoon. Entry is via the Spanish deli and small goods section of the business (which I’ll get to), through to the simple, yet pleasant and immaculately kept (I swear the linoleum floor was gleaming) spacious dining area, complete with comfy padded Ikea high-chairs and kids menus (for those with ankle-biters).

Rosa the owner/operator is working the room as we enter, and greets us warmly as she invites us to sit anywhere that takes our fancy.

Not Rosa, obviously!

Laminated menus are on the table which reveal an assortment of lunching options from an a la carte ‘all day menu’ to a traditional tapas menu. Being greedy by nature, and thus not particularly keen to share my food at the best of times, I (and therefore we) order from the all day menu (Croquetas a la Madrilena $12.50 for yours truly, and Pisto Con Huevos $12.50 for TSA). For those with a hankering for Paella, don’t worry – it’s on the menu, but it must be ordered in advance and is $25pp (I’ll have to come back and put it to the test **watch this space***).

Spanish Flavours is not licensed, but is BYO (hooray!), so we opted for soft drinks (hey, I’m not a total booze-hound – it was lunchtime and I was driving OK?).

Food arrives quickly, and devoured in record time. My selection of croquetas (ham, egg, spinach and tuna), with a fresh side-salad, are delightfully authentic and surprisingly light once you get through the satisfying crunch of the outside. I have trouble deciding which is my favourite, but for the record, the ham won me over.

TSA looks to enjoy her dish, the pisto is what we might liken to a salsa, and goes well with the fried eggs, but both of us agree that, without knowing what ‘pisto‘ is, the description doesn’t really do the dish justice.

I found the serving on the small size, however perfectly adequate for me, so if you’re a big eater you may need to order additional items to fill your gluttonous void. Unfortunately as we’d gorged ourselves stupid at Koko Black that morning we were unable to try the churros which caught my eye.

As we’re eating, I can’t help but notice Rosa hanging out in the restaurant, chatting to patrons like they’re new best friends, coochy-cooing at their babies, conversing with customers at the deli counter, and engaging in banter with her staff (who I suspect are all relatives as there is a distinct ‘family’ atmosphere to the place). Rosa seems to have a way of putting everyone at ease, and encouraging a good time to be had within her establishment.

After wiping our plates clean, we congregate in the deli section to drool over the Jamon and chorizo, and admire the impressive array of traditional imported Spanish food-stuffs lining the shelves – all available for purchase. Rosa is back at the small-goods counter and engages us in chat. She mentions that the restaurant is a new addition to their business (originally the deli) and that Spanish Flavours supply Jamon to a lot of high-profile restaurants in Perth. Hearing this, I make a mental note to plan a Spanish night sooner, rather than later, as an excuse to return and get my hands on some Jamon!

Soon it is time to depart, and we do so with a smile upon our faces, and the promise to return and try the paella.

Food: 8/10 (good honest food, but serving sizes could be bigger, and the selection of soft drinks is limited)Service: 10/10 (super friendly and efficient)Ambience: 7.5/10 (it won’t win any interior design awards but it is comfortable and homely)Total: 8.5